Chapter 228.1
When Emilia saw them, she stood up and ran over to them.
Whats going on, everyone? Were having an important discussion at the moment, so please wait in the classroom. I will be there right away. (Emilia)
Emilia put her hand on Raos shoulder as she spoke.
Come on, off you go. (Emilia)
As Emilia tried to lead Raos out of the reception room, he grabbed her wrist.
Dont it Raos muttered with his head down.
Raos-kun? Are you okay? (Emilia)
Raos looked up and shouted.
Dont quit! Please! (Raos)
Raos looked at Emilia with pleading eyes.
I know, were all just lousy and hopeless students And Im sure youll get to become a bigshot back in your homeland and live without any hardships once you leave! We really have no obligation to say that to the one person who paid attention to rejects like us But still! (Raos)
Raos clenched his fist.
We dont want you to quit We want you to stay with us, Emilia-sensei! (Raos)
Emilia stared back at him in surprise.
You were the only person who took us seriously even after we found out that we werent heroes. The only person who bothered to scold us countless times. And when we thought we had no choice but to die, the only one who told us to run away was you, sensei! (Raos)
Raos gripped Emilias hand tightly, as if to stop her.
Weve got no one else but you, Emilia-sensei! Its because you were here, and because you told us youd never run away, that we were able to fight against even that ridiculous number of dragons We cant muster up that courage on our own Without you, sensei, well just go back to being helpless scum! I dont wanna go back to being the worthless bastard I was! (Raos)
Raos appealed to her with tears in his eyes.
I just dont wanna (Raos)
Emilia-sensei. (Ledriano)
Ledriano stepped forward to talk to Emilia.
We still have not learned enough from you. (Ledriano)
Just like Raos, he called Emilia sensei for the first time.
We should have appreciated your words and pride more. When we had that realization, we thought that this was finally our chance at a new beginning. We were too embarrassed to tell you directly, but we all got together and talked about how we were going to surprise you and do our best from now on so that you would not be ashamed of us, sensei. (Ledriano).
Ledriano gave her a look full of sincerity from behind his glasses.
We want you to keep guiding us from now on, Emilia-sensei. You and nobody else. This time, we want to become real heroes for you. Ledriano admitted in a calm, yet passionate tone.
Emilia sensei (Heine)
Heine was scratching his head.
Im sorry for skipping class by going to the bathroom, making fun of you and picking on you From now on, Ill clean up my act Ill go to class, I wont eat my lunch before lunchtime, and Ill take your tests seriously! (Heine)
Unlike the students of Demon King Academy, they were all actual young children.
Just teenagers who had been hailed as heroes and were at the mercy of the spell.
As they didnt know who to trust, they finally met someone he could look up to as their mentor.
Someone they could finally wholeheartedly.
What a blessing this was in their lives, which had been at the mercy of the adults.
They mustve felt in their hearts that they must not let go of her hand, and that they had to chase after her without concern for appearances.
Im going to become a full-fledged hero So please Keep watching over me until then, sensei! (Heine)
However, Emilia remained silent.
Before she came here, she had already made a promise to me.
I also wish I could do that but (Emilia)
When Emilia turned to look at me, Ledriano passed by her.
Ledriano-kun.! (Emilia)
Ledriano stepped out in front of me and knelt there.
He spoke with his head down.
Please forgive my insolence, but I wish to make a request to the Demon King of Tyranny Anos Voldigoad. (Ledrinao)
You may speak. (Anos)
I implore you to postpone the departure of our teacher Emilia Ludwell. (Ledriano)
Then, the rest of the Hero Academy students lined up and knelt in front of me.
Under her guidance, we will definitely develop enough strength to serve the national interest of Dilhade. Raos declared.
We will offer you our lives, our hearts, our everything, and pledge our allegiance to you. Heine said in a dignified tone.
We will obey any of your commands. Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to ask for your indulgence while we graduate from this institute. (Heine)
The entire Hero Academy prostrated themselves on the floor.
They had been taught that demons were the enemy, yet they did that for the sake of their demon teacher.
There wasnt a single trace left of the influence of the spell anymore.
They were now able to see things with their own eyes and think with their own minds.
Anos-sama. (Emilia)
Emilia steps forward and bends her knees in front of me.
Then she prostrated herself with her head on the floor.
I am honored beyond measure to hear you call me an excellent subordinate. However, I have learned something during my stay in Azesion. I do not deserve the same status as the Seven Demon Emperors. she said without regret.
I will accept any punishment for going back on our promise. Even banishment from my homeland. But there is only one thing I wish for. (Emilia)
Emilia bowed deeply to protect what was important to her.
This was her battle.
Please give me the opportunity to teach them. I will educate them to be great heroes and make them the cornerstones of the friendship between Dilhade and Azesion. So as to make sure that the tragic war of two thousand years ago will never happen again. (Emilia)
Raise your head. (Anos)
As I said that, Emilia slowly looked up.
She had a brave look on her face. She was facing me without being the least bit afraid of punishment.
She was prepared to sacrifice herself for her beliefs and her students.
What a bunch of fools! (???)
A cacophonous sound that didnt suit the moment was echoing from the entrance to the reception room.
What the hell are you thinking, bowing down to the king of an enemy country in unison?! (???)
The person who came with a haughty look on his face was the headmaster of the academy, Zamira.
Not only that, but youre all going to swear allegiance to the Demon KIng after graduation? Do you know what that means? This is a blatant act of treachery against Azesion! Should I have you all executed for treason against the nation?! Well?! (Zamira)
Unable to ignore his words, Emilia stood up.
Headmaster Zamira. I demand that you cease your outrageous remarks. This doesnt amount to treason, nor is it punishable by death Azesions laws state that, no matter what country you live and work in, your freedom will not be violated. (Emilia)
Emilia calmly objected.
But Zamiras face contorted in displeasure.
Headmaster? How insolent of you to mistake me for an educator. (Zamira)
He puffs out his chest as if to show off his obese body.
I am Zamira Engelo Gairadite, the 107th King of Gairadite. Azesion is my country now, and I am the law. (Zamira)
Emilia was stunned speechless.
And the Hero Academy students frowned.
What do you mean? (Emilia)
Thats just how things are. The entire royal family, including King Lycius, are now dead. As the sole heir to the throne, it is only natural that I should be king. Youre smart enough to know this, demon woman. (Zamira)
Emilia gritted her teeth.
Hm? Whats that defiant look on your face? I could crush the Hero Academy at my sole discretion, you know? My country has no need for an academy of rebels like this, after all. Well? Anything to say? (Zamira)
Emilia was about to kneel, even though she harbored a humiliated expression on her face.
I gently grabbed her shoulder, which was shaking with anger, and stopped her.
Well, well. If it isnt the Demon King of Tyranny. Isnt it disrespectful for a subordinate, even one under your command, to not even kneel to the king of a country? (Zamira)
You still think youre the king? What a simpleton you are. (Anos)
What? (Zamira)
As Zamiras face twisted in puzzlement, a voice echoed from the desk in the reception room.
Zamira Engelo. You knew everything. (???)
It was a transparent sound. The voice of a god in the form of a girl.